Two Bills Filed To Increase Gas Tax, Fees For MO Roads

Though the effort failed with voters last year—State Lawmakers are trying pay for roads and bridges with extra taxes or fees.

Farmington Republican Senator Gary Romine’s Bill, Senate Bill 201, would charge more for license plates for fuel efficient cars. He says that’s because drivers pay less in taxes and they buy less fuel than standard cars. The plan would charge on top of a base of $24, $6 per mile per gallon for every mpg over 29, topping out at $210. Romine’s bill has had a hearing in the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Committee.

A bill just entered on the House side by St. Louis Democrat Representative Steve Butz has not had a hearing. It would create a tax increase of two cents per year until the gas tax reaches 27 cents per gallon to fund the state’s roads and bridges.

Governor Parson has proposed a $350 million infrastructure plan, aimed at repairing or replacing 250 bridges across the state. MoDOT says more than 900 Missouri bridges are in poor condition.